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Nikodim (Milaš) (in Serbian:Никодим (Милаш) епископ далматински, April 4, 1845 - April 2, 1915) was Serbian orthodox Bishop of Dalmatia from 1890 to 1912. He was also one of the gratest Orthodox canonist in XIX century and author of many books from canon and church law.

Life

Nikodim was born in Šibenik as Nikola Milaš. Family of his father Trifun came in Dalmatia from Duvno (Bosnia). His mather Maria was Italian, who embrace Orthodoxy before she married Trifun.

He attented elementary school in franciscan monastery, but he was taking lessons in orthodoxy in Bovan's School. Nikola graduated Jesuit Gimnasium in Zadar and Serbian Orthodox Theological School in Sremski Karlovci 1866. He gone to Russia 1867. and obtained Master degree from canon law in Kiyiv Orthodox Theological Academy 1871 (His theme was:Nomocanon of Patriarch Photius).

After coming back Nikola was apointed professor of Theological Orthodox Institute in Zadar, by Bishop Stefan (Knežević). Next year he was appointed rector of Institute. Next year, professor Milaš published study in wich he crisited intefiering of Austro-Hungarian governmant in Life of Church.
Professor Nikola Milaš was tonsured on the Forefeast of Nativity 1873. He was given monastic name Nikodim. He was ordined deacon on Nativity. Two years later Dn. Nikodim was ordained presbyter. He was raised Archimandrite 1880. Under his rule Theoogical Institute in Zadar became one of the best orthodox schools.

Fr. Nikodim was in corespondence with the greatest canonist of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic church. He was fluent in German, Italian, Russian, Greek and Latin. After publishing new study Principles of jurisdiction in Orthodox Church in wich he again critised authorities he was forced to renounce his funcion 1885.

Archimandrite Nikodim spent two years in Belgrade as rector of Belgrade Seminary 1886-1887. He came back in Zadar where he finaly published his most importnant book Church and Canon Law. This book is his life work. It is even today in use in theological studies. In the same year he published other significant book Roman Catholic Propaganda among Orthodox Dalmatians.

Bishop

Fr. Nikodim Milaš was elected Bishop of Dalmatia, July 10, 1890 and consecrated September 16. During his tenure he was forced struggle with agresive Roman Catholic proselytism and with anti-orthodox autorithies. He wrote once: " In Austia, there is a rule since 1868. that Orthodoxy have the same position as all other confessions in state. But the truth is that The Church (Orthodox) was just tolerated."

The reason that Bp. Nikodim wrote his book "Ortodoxy in Dalmatia" was papal encyiclcal, in wich Pope apealed for union. Greek-Catholic Bishop of Krizevci wrote: "Nobady hates Union as mach as Orthodox Dalmatians"

Bp. Nikodim refused elevation on the see of Belgrade and later of Sarajevo, because he was not elected acording to canon law.

Under constant preasure of civil authoriites and othe enimies, Bp. Nikodim was forced to retire December 21 1911. His renociation was accepted January 19, 1912.

He moved to Dubrovnik. Bishop Nikodim died April 2 1915. Only copy of his new book:The Church an the State in Austro-Hungarian Empire disapeared.